The global cosmetics regulatory environment continues to evolve. To help businesses stay updated with regulatory changes, ZMUni Compliance Center regularly releases a monthly recap of global cosmetics regulations. This article covers the regulatory developments related to cosmetics in China and globally in August 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In August 2025, 14 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
Before this recap, ZMUni has continued to release passages introducing the NCI updates, along with their approval status and market applications. For more detailed information, check the following episodes:
Issue 17: New Approvals Highlight Biotech-derived Actives and Botanicals
Issue 16: Continued Interest in Biotech and Botanical Ingredients
Issue 15: Continued Interest in Biotech and Botanical Ingredients
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🔘 List of Non-Compliant Imported Cosmetics for July 2025
On August 17, 2025, the General Administration of Customs (GACC) published the List of Non-Compliant Imported Cosmetics for July 2025. Five batches of cosmetics from South Korea were rejected for failing to comply with the requirements of the Supervision and Administration Measures of Inspection and Quarantine of Imported and Exported Cosmetics.
🔘 China NMPA Advances Research on High-Bioactivity Cosmetic Ingredients
On 20 August 2025, China NMPA responded to a proposal by NPC Deputy Li Xiaokun regarding leveraging China's strengths in biopeptide research to enrich the cosmetic ingredient pool and support the rise of domestic cosmetics. With the support of relevant institutions and experts, NMPA will implement policies promoting innovation in new cosmetic ingredients, strengthen technology updates, management reform, and service innovation, and facilitate the transformation of scientific achievements into productive applications. Measures include optimizing the registration and technical evaluation system for new ingredients, conducting scientific research on highly bioactive substances such as EGF to assess their feasibility and necessity in cosmetics, and accelerating the development of ingredient standards and general technical requirements to support a high-quality cosmetic industry.
🔘 China NMPA Issues the 2025 Cosmetics Standards Project Plan
On August 21, 2025, China NMPA issued the 2025 Cosmetics Standards Project Plan, releasing 34 standard formulation and revision tasks in one batch. These cover raw materials, products, and testing methods such as colloidal silver, α-arbutin, facial mask substrates, perm products, and liquid foundation.
🔘 China SAMR Proposes to Abolish the Rules for Metrology Testing for Package of Food and Cosmetics
On August 28, 2025, China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued an announcement proposing to abolish the national metrology technical specification JJF 1244—2010 Rules of Metrology Testing for Package of Food and Cosmetics. The announcement is now open for public comment and the deadline for submitting feedback is September 27, 2025.
🔘 Beijing MPA Issues Official FAQs
On August 28, 2025, the Beijing Medical Products Administration issued "FAQs on the Notification of General Cosmetics" (Vol. 48), mainly addressing questions related to the safety use history of new cosmetic ingredients.
🔘 China Updates STSC with Five New Toxicology Methods
On August 29, 2025, China NMPA announced the inclusion of five newly approved toxicological test methods into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition). These methods will take effect on March 1, 2026. Prior to the official implementation date, cosmetic registration and notification entities are encouraged to adopt the new methods in relevant testing. See previous news.
🔘 EU Uphold Annulment of Carcinogenic Classification for Titanium Dioxide
On August 1, 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a final ruling, rejecting the French government's appeal and upholding the annulment of the European Commission's previous decision that classified powdered titanium dioxide (with ≥1% of particles ≤10 μm in diameter) as a Category 2 carcinogen (H351: Suspected of causing cancer by inhalation). The Court held that the European Commission had failed to fully consider the scientific evidence in its assessment, and that titanium dioxide does not meet the definition of a substance "with intrinsic properties to cause cancer" under Annex I, Section 3.6.2.2.1 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Official Source:
🔘 Canada Clarifies Classification of Topical Products Containing Human-Derived Exosomes
On August 14, 2025, Health Canada issued a notice on the classification of topical products containing human-derived exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and/or cell-conditioned media. Depending on product claims, mode of action, and composition, these products may be regulated as drugs or cosmetics under the Food and Drugs Act. A 75-day consultation is now open for industry and stakeholders.
Official Source:
🔘 TGA Updates Investigation on CHOICE SPF Sunscreen Report
On 21 August 2025, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced it is investigating a CHOICE report highlighting discrepancies between labeled SPF and actual sun protection in some sunscreens. The review focuses on the large volume of data submitted by manufacturers and recognizes variability in SPF testing under ISO 24444:2019, which relies on human subjects and visual assessment. The TGA is exploring alternative test methods, including in vitro approaches, and will take regulatory action based on risk. It emphasizes that sunscreen use, combined with shade, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing, remains essential for UV protection.
Official Source:
https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/follow-tga-statement-choice-spf-sunscreen-report
🔘 Washington State Adopts Rule Restricting Formaldehyde in Cosmetics
On August 28, 2025, Washington State's Department of Ecology adopted Chapter 173-339 WAC: Cosmetic Products Restrictions, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cosmetics containing intentionally added formaldehyde releasers. The rule lists 25 restricted substances and clarifies the definition of "intentionally added" under the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act. The regulation applies to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and cosmetology businesses, covering both in-store and online sales. Key dates: rule effective September 28, 2025; restrictions enforceable January 1, 2027; sell-through period for existing stock until December 31, 2027.
Official Source:
https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-339
Note: This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Centre, drawing from the latest updates from official regulatory authorities in various countries and regions. For any questions regarding interpretations or expressions, please consult the official real-time announcements.
